The B-52H is the US Air Force's (USAF) long-range, large-payload multirole bomber and is known as the Stratofortress or the Buff (big ugly fat fellow). It is the USAF's principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform that supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions.
The B-52H is a very large aircraft, with a length of 159ft 4in (48.5m) and take-off weight of 488,000lb (220,000kg). The all-metal skin bears a high proportion of flight loading. When on the ground, the surface of the aircraft on the forward section of the fuselage has a wrinkled appearance. The skin expands and becomes smooth as the crew compartment is pressurised when the aircraft gains altitude.